49ers WR Evans, DE Bosa, WR Samuel out vs. Atlanta; WR Kirk may return - ESPN

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — With a bye week coming soon, San Francisco 49ers receiver Mike Evans and defensive end Nick Bosa won't play in Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons as they deal with Achilles tendinitis and a calf injury, respectively.

On Friday, the Niners ruled Evans and Bosa out against the Falcons after neither player participated in practice this week. In addition to Bosa and Evans, the Niners also ruled out wideout Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring), linebackers Luke Gifford (groin) and Garret Wallow (hamstring), and safety Marques Sigle (ankle).

Coach Kyle Shanahan said that with so many missing players, the Niners are likely to enter Sunday's game with fewer than the maximum 48 players on the game-day roster even after they make practice squad elevations on Saturday. They've had internal discussions with some of their players about further injuries forcing them to play out of position, according to Shanahan.

«I don't think ever in my career [has that happened],» Shanahan said. «It's a unique situation.»

Evans' absence creates an even greater need this week given the team's rash of injuries at receiver. The 49ers are already without Ricky Pearsall (knee), Samuel, De'Zhaun Stribling (ankle) and Demarcus Robinson (ankle). One solution is the expected activation of veteran wideout Christian Kirk from injured reserve.

The 49ers released defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo on Friday, creating a roster spot for Kirk. While he's technically listed as questionable, Shanahan said that is procedural and Kirk is set to play against the Falcons. Kirk has been on injured reserve since the start of the season after injuring a calf in the opening days of training camp in July.

Kirk said Thursday that he has felt good since